SIDETRACKED – What drives the best female snowboarders (video series)

SIDETRACKED is a 7-part web series by Runways Films, a production company run by mega babe and all round legendary snowboarder Leanne Pelosi. Next year sees their two year female film project Full Moon be released to the world. SIDETRACKED is project building anticipation for that release by giving us some insight into the film’s main cast of snowboarders (Leanne herself, Marie-France Roy, Annie Boulanger, Robin Van Gyn and Jamie Anderson), and what sidetracks them and compliments their outdoor lifestyle.

The women of Full Moon Film are some of my favourite riders. Girls I have looked up to since my early years in the sport. The concept for the film is about connecting the past, present and future of women’s snowboarding with some of the best riders in the world. In a nod to snowboard legends that paved the way for women’s snowboarding, riders like Tara Dakides, Barrett Christy, Natasza Zurek, Victoria Jealouse will play a part (OMG!).

So here is SIDETRACKED – a personal look at what drives our favourite female snowboarders other than snowboarding.

Marie France Roy – Connections with Nature

Snowboarding has the potential to give us access to the natural world in ways that many other activities can’t. A backcountry expedition is the pinnacle of this, but you don’t have to climb a remote mountain to realize how special the environment is that we ride in. It is something worth preserving. Marie-France Roy passionately believes this and has a message that can be relatable to anyone: do you part, however small or seemingly insignificant it may be. You don’t need to drive an electric car, power your home using solar energy and make your clothes from scratch to show that you care about the environment. Drink water from a reusable bottle, make an effort to recycle, ride a or walk to work if you can. Small things go a long way when the masses participate. That’s Marie’s message, and it’s something that you can easily attain. You just have to try to do the little things.

Snow Safety: Robin Van Gyn

Aside from your beacon, probe and shovel, the most valuable assets you can take with you in the backcountry are knowledge and sound common sense. Robin Van Gyn understands that the repercussions of one small oversight, mistake or distraction can be disastrous, thus she has outfitted herself with the tools necessary to stay safe in the wilderness. Robin just wants to ride powder; there’s no arguing with that.

Healthy Eating: Helen Schettini

From the Snow to the Surf: Annie Boulanger

At home or traveling, Annie is getting after it. It shows in her ability charge double overhead surf and big-mountain lines with confidence uncommon for someone of either gender. But what Annie has accomplished in her journeys around the globe goes beyond surfing or snowboarding. Traveling to her is as much about meeting people and experiencing new cultures as it is barrels or descents.